How To Wear Incontinence Pads & Pants

12 March 2025 | Admin

Living with incontinence doesn’t mean you have to compromise on feeling comfortable or confidence.

Here at Cheeky we've been all about 'Simple Reusables' since 2008 and are experts in reusable, washable incontinence products. This post was inspired by a recent Trustpilot Review:

"I wasn't sure what to make of these pants for periods and incontinence. With lots of investigating, these seemed to be - the best price, not too expensive for what they are.

They have a range to choose from, not just frumpy looking. Easy on the eye. No need to worry that people might notice when changing in the gym or swimming they look like usual pants.

So my daughter and I decided to give them a try.

It's fair to say they are so good, I went back and ordered some more. They are so comfortable while doing the job intended, and so pleased that I will be going back for more when needed,

The best thing about them is the way the protection is in the front it is a strip that goes from front to back to the seam, so no need to worry you will leak from the edges. Love them.

Well done Cheeky, keep up the good work."

Choosing the right incontinence product—and wearing it correctly—can make all the difference in preventing leaks and discomfort. However, many people struggle with poor fit, which can lead to ineffective protection, discomfort, or chafing.

This guide will walk you through the correct way to apply both disposable and reusable incontinence pads, as well as how to wear different types of incontinence pants, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit that works for you.

How to Apply a Disposable Incontinence Pad

What to Consider Before Applying a Disposable Pad

Choose the correct absorbency for your needs—higher absorbency for nighttime or anything above moderate incontinence.
Ensure the pad is the right size to avoid shifting and discomfort.

Positioning the Pad

For women: Place the pad centrally in your underwear, ensuring it covers the entire area prone to leaks, whether that is centrally for urinary incontinence, or more to the rear for faecal incontinence.
For men: Position guards or shields so they centre around the penis, ensuring full coverage and containment.
Peel off the backing strip and press the adhesive side firmly into place in your undies.
If your pad has wings, secure them around the underwear for added security.

Adjusting & Testing the Fit

Stand up and move around to check for comfort.
If you experience slipping or leaks, adjust the positioning or try a different absorbency level.
Avoid over-tightening underwear, as this can distort the shape and effectiveness of the pad.

How to Fit a Reusable Incontinence Pad

Reusable incontinence pads are an eco-friendly alternative to disposables, offering soft, breathable protection that can be washed and reused. No one needs plastic against their vulva which can cause skin irritation and itchy, painful rashes!

Key Differences from Disposable Pads

Reusable absorbent pads typically use poppers rather than adhesive to stay in place.
They come in different thicknesses and lengths depending on absorbency requirements.

Positioning the Pad

Choose the correct absorbency for your level of bladder leakage.
Place the pad in snug-fitting underwear, ensuring the correct side faces up. In Cheeky pads, this means the patterned side goes face down, or the side with the label.
If the pad has poppers, snap them around the underwear to keep it secure.
Adjust so the pad covers the areas most prone to leaks.

Testing & Care Tips

Walk around to check for shifting.
If the pad moves, consider switching to underwear with a closer fit. Alternatively, you may find that you need a longer pad.
Always rinse incontinence pads after use to remove as much urine as possible before washing. Not rinsing can lead to ammonia build up - find out more in this blog 'how to get urine smell out of pants (and pads)'
Wash incontinence pads in warm water (40 degrees) and your normal washing detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener to maintain absorbency.

How to Wear Incontinence Pants

Incontinence pants provide all-in-one protection, eliminating the need for separate pads. They come in various styles to suit different needs. Here's our top tips for how to wear incontinence pants.

Disposable All-In-Ones

Unique features: High-absorbency, full coverage, adhesive or tab fastenings for security.
How to wear: Step in and pull up like regular underwear or fasten the side tabs securely.
Testing fit: Ensure a snug fit without pinching or gaping.

Disposable Pull-Up Pants

Unique features: Also known as adult nappies, these are designed for ease of use, mimicking regular underwear with absorbent technology and anti leak cuffs.
How to wear: Simply pull on like normal underwear.
Testing fit: Move around to check for gaps that could lead to leaks.

Reusable Incontinence Pants

Unique features: Eco-friendly, washable, available in different absorbencies.
How to wear: Wear like normal underwear; ensure the absorbent layer is correctly positioned. the brilliant thing about reusable incontinence pants is that you can double up on protection, adding in reusable pads which can be easily swapped out. Some reusable pants are adaptive also, opening at the side to make changing easy. Check out Cheeky quick change pants which are suitable for light to moderate leaks, or our adaptive pants which have been tested for more moderate leaks and bowel incontinence
Care: Wash in warm water, avoid fabric softener, and air dry inside out for speedy drying.

Reusable Incontinence Boxers

Unique features: Designed for men, offering extra front coverage and support.
How to wear: Fit as you would regular boxers, ensuring the absorbent section is correctly placed.
Care: Wash in cold water, air dry, and avoid tumble drying to maintain shape and function.

But Have Have You Tried Kegel Weights?

It's really worth investigating kegel weights such as Secret Whispers. With consistent use,they can strengthen your pelvic floor and reduce your reliance on incontinence products!

However this doesn't happen overnight, so if you’re looking for high-quality, eco-friendly incontinence protection, explore our range of reusable incontinence pads and reusable incontinence pants.

For more guidance, please do reach out to us. The team chat pee, poo and periods all day long and are happy to help. Or check out our related blog posts:

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes in 2008, expanding her Simple Reusables range to include period pants, reusable pads, panty liners, and incontinence products—offering comfortable, eco-friendly alternatives. Cheeky’s team loves to chat pee, poo, and periods, helping customers switch to reusables, and their sustainability efforts earned the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2021.